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Abstract:

A fifth-wheel trailer having a forward section comprising an
adjustable-height floor. The floor being capable of moving up to a raised
position to provide sufficient clearance for a towing vehicle to attach
to the trailer for towing. The floor also being capable of moving down to
a lowered position to provide a trailer with an approximately even floor
and a full-height ceiling throughout. The present adjustable-height floor
does not interfere with the structural stability of the trailer's main
frame including its pin box.

Claims:

1. A trailer configured to be towed using a fifth-wheel hitch system
comprising; a forward section of the trailer comprising an adjustable
forward section floor; a main section of the trailer connected to the
forward section, the main section comprising a fixed main section floor;
and an adjustable floor assembly connected to the forward section floor
configured to adjust a height of the adjustable forward section floor to
a raised position relative to the main section floor and to a lowered
position which is approximately level with the main section floor.

2. A trailer as described in claim 1, wherein the adjustable floor
assembly is actuated by one or more electric motors rotating one or more
threaded lift shafts.

3. A trailer as described in claim 2, wherein the electric motor further
comprises a safety clutch.

4. A trailer as described in claim 1, wherein one or more sensors is used
to detect obstacles located above or below the adjustable floor assembly.

5. A trailer as described in claim 3, wherein the sensors detect motion.

6. A trailer as described in claim 1, wherein the adjustable floor
assembly is actuated by a hydraulic motor rotating one or more threaded
lift shafts.

7. A trailer as described in claim 1, wherein the adjustable floor
assembly is actuated by a pneumatic motor rotating one or more threaded
lift shafts.

8. A trailer as described in claim 1, wherein the adjustable floor
assembly is actuated by one or more hydraulic cylinders.

9. A trailer as described in claim 1, wherein the adjustable floor
assembly is actuated by manually rotating one or more threaded lift
shafts.

10. A trailer as described in claim 1, wherein the adjustable floor
assembly further comprises one or more walls.

11. A trailer as described in claim 1, wherein the adjustable floor
assembly is rectangular in shape.

12. A trailer as described in claim 1, wherein the adjustable floor
assembly is semi-circular in shape.

13. A trailer as described in claim 1, further comprising a main frame
capable of supporting the forward section and the main section.

14. A trailer as described in claim 13, wherein the main frame also
comprises a pinbox and towing hitch.

15. A trailer as described in claim 13, wherein the adjustable floor
assembly is moved between its raised and lowered positions through an
opening in the main frame.

16. A trailer as described in claim 1, further comprising a hatch that is
used to seal the opening into the interior of the trailer created when
the adjustable floor assembly is in its raised position.

17. A trailer as described in claim 16, wherein the hatch is a fold-down
hatch pivotably connected to the trailer.

18. A trailer configured to be towed using a fifth-wheel hitch
comprising; a main frame; the main frame supporting a forward section of
the trailer comprising a nonmoving upper forward section and an
adjustable forward section floor; the main frame also supporting a main
section of the trailer connected to the nonmoving upper forward section,
the main section comprising a fixed main section floor; an adjustable
floor assembly connected to the forward section floor configured to
adjust a height of the adjustable forward section floor to a raised
position relative to the main section floor and to a lowered position
which is approximately level with the main section floor; and The main
frame comprising an opening through which the adjustable floor assembly
moves between its raised and lowered positions.

19. A trailer as described in claim 18, wherein the nonmoving upper
forward section comprises a lip and the adjustable floor assembly
comprises a ledge capable of being supported by the lip.

20. A method for using a trailer capable of being towed using a
fifth-wheel hitch: providing: a forward section of the trailer comprising
an adjustable forward section floor; a main section of the trailer
connected to the forward section, the main section comprising a fixed
main section floor; an adjustable floor assembly connected to the forward
section floor configured to adjust a height of the adjustable forward
section floor to an raised position relative to the main section floor
and to a lowered position which is approximately level with the main
section floor; driving the trailer by a user; stopping the trailer; and
lowering, by the user, the adjustable forward section floor.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
12/869,349 filed in the USPTO on Aug. 26, 2010 entitled A FIFTH-WHEEL
TRAILER WITH AN ADJUSTABLE FLOOR IN ITS FORWARD SECTION AND A METHOD FOR
ITS USE, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present device is a fifth-wheel trailer having a forward
section comprising an adjustable-height floor, which can provide a
full-height living space in this forward section when the trailer is
parked, but can also allow the trailer to be attached to a towing vehicle
using a fifth-wheel hitch to be transported. The present device is easy
to use and provides sufficient structural stability and support while
being towed as well as when being used as a full-height living space.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The present invention relates to trailers that are towed by another
vehicle using a fifth-wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. Generally, the
pin box of the fifth-wheel hitch extends from the bottom of the foremost
section of the trailer and attaches to a female receptacle connected to
the bed of the towing vehicle, typically over the rear axle of the towing
vehicle. A substantial number of the forward sections of nearly all
fifth-wheel trailers must extend over the bed of the towing vehicle in
order to utilize a fifth-wheel hitching system. Therefore, the lower
parts of the forward sections of fifth-wheel trailers, including the
floor, are typically required to be significantly higher than the floors
of the remaining, main sections of trailers in order to provide
sufficient clearance to extend over the back of the towing vehicle. In
common designs of such trailers, the usefulness of this forward section
is reduced because it is often not a full-height living space and does
not permit users of average height to stand upright comfortably in the
space. Additionally, steps must be placed between the main section of the
trailer and the raised front section. These steps make use of this area
awkward and potentially hazardous.

[0004] In an attempt to maximize the usefulness of this space, most
current models of fifth-wheel trailers use this forward section of the
trailer as a bedroom. In some designs, the roof is made taller over this
forward section to make it more comfortable and spacious. These solutions
may provide a slightly more comfortable interior space, but they are not
optimal by any any means. First, the bedroom must be located in this
forward section of the vehicle reducing the number of potential floor
plan options. Second, this forward section is often not the full height
of the trailer, which makes standing in this area impossible or very
uncomfortable for a person of average height. Activities that are usually
performed in this section can be difficult without the benefit of a
full-height space. Third, the floor of the bedroom area is not the same
height as the floor of the rest of the trailer, requiring the use of
steps to gain entrance to this forward section. Steps are not easily
navigated by all people and care is required to deal with the tripping
and falling hazard posed by an uneven floor. Finally, some current models
elevate the ceiling of the forward section of the trailer to provide
greater height to the inside living space. However, by extending the roof
of the vehicle upward, the trailer becomes less aerodynamic and more
strain is placed on the hitch and towing vehicle, resulting in
instability, reduced gas mileage and reduced life of the vehicles and
hitching mechanism. Additionally, raising the roof does nothing to
alleviate the height difference between the floor of the forward section
of the trailer and the floor of the main section of the trailer. In other
words, steps are still required even after the roof has been raised.

[0005] Several attempts have been made to provide a fifth-wheel trailer
that has a full-height forward section. However, these have not been safe
or practical and have not been accepted by the market. The pin box for
hitching the trailer to the towing vehicle has been attached to a movable
structure, such as a wall panel that is hinged into place and acts as one
of the walls for the lower section when the floor is lowered. See U.S.
Pat. No. 4,085,959. This placement of the metal pin box on a movable
piece is not desirable because the structure supporting it is not
substantial enough to allow for safe hauling. A wall panel cannot provide
the necessary structure to resist the forces exerted on the trailer while
it is being moved and will damage or destroy the panel. Additionally, the
pin box must be made of metal or other heavy material. Placing a large
heavy object on a part of the trailer that can easily become loose and
rotate about a hinge is dangerous and could cause extensive damage to the
vehicle and possibly cause serious injury to operators or bystanders.
These problems would only be further exacerbated by today's larger and
heavier trailers.

[0006] What is needed is a trailer having an adjustable-height floor in
its forward section that is capable of being towed using a fifth-wheel
hitch and can provide a full-height living space when not hitched to a
towing vehicle. The main support frame of the trailer must have a shape,
which can allow up and down movement of the floor of the front section of
the trailer, but also be capable of supporting the weight of the trailer.
The front section's adjustable floor should also be safe and easy to
operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an aspect of the present device to provide a trailer
comprising an adjustable-height floor in its forward section that allows
for towing through the use of a fifth-wheel hitch and can still provide a
full-height living space when not being towed, with the adjustable-height
floor being safe and easy to operate.

[0008] The above aspect can be obtained by a trailer capable of being
towed using a fifth-wheel hitch comprising: a forward section of the
trailer comprising an adjustable forward section floor; a main section of
the trailer connected to the forward section, the main section comprising
a fixed main section floor; and an adjustable floor assembly connected to
the forward section floor configured to adjust a height of the adjustable
forward section floor to an raised position relative to the main section
floor to allow a towing vehicle to operate below the adjustable floor
assembly and to a lowered position which is approximately level with the
main section floor.

[0009] The above aspect can also be obtained by a trailer capable of being
towed using a fifth-wheel hitch comprising: a main frame; the main frame
supporting a forward section of the trailer comprising a nonmoving upper
forward section and an adjustable forward section floor; the main frame
also supporting a main section of the trailer connected to the nonmoving
upper forward section, the main section comprising a fixed main section
floor; an adjustable floor assembly connected to the forward section
floor configured to adjust a height of the adjustable forward section
floor to an raised position relative to the main section floor to allow a
towing vehicle to operate below the adjustable floor assembly and to a
lowered position which is approximately level with the main section
floor; and the main frame comprising an opening through which the
adjustable floor assembly can move between its raised and lowered
positions.

[0010] The above aspect can also be obtained by a method for using a
trailer capable of being towed using a fifth-wheel hitch: providing a
forward section of the trailer comprising an adjustable forward section
floor; a main section of the trailer connected to the forward section,
the main section comprising a fixed main section floor; an adjustable
floor assembly connected to the forward section floor configured to
adjust a height of the adjustable forward section floor to an raised
position relative to the main section floor to allow a towing vehicle to
operate below the adjustable floor assembly and to a lowered position
which is approximately level with the main section floor; driving the
trailer by a user; stopping the trailer; and lowering, by the user, the
adjustable forward section floor.

THE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Further features and advantages of the present device, as well as
the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present device,
will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following
description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings of which:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the main frame of the present
trailer further comprising the frame of the adjustable floor assembly
with the adjustable floor in its lowered position according to an
embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 2A is a close-up perspective view from below and in front of
the main frame of the forward section of present trailer, wherein the
adjustable floor assembly is in its lowered position according to an
embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the threaded lift shaft assembly,
according to an embodiment;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a perspective view from behind the forward section of the
present trailer showing the frame of the adjustable floor assembly in its
lowered position according to an embodiment;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame of an adjustable floor
assembly according to an embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view from below the side and front of a
present trailer frame with the adjustable floor assembly in its raised
position according to an embodiment;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a perspective view from behind the forward section of the
present trailer showing the frame of the adjustable floor assembly in its
raised position according to an embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the front and side of the present
trailer with the adjustable floor assembly in its lowered position
according to an embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective top cutaway view of a present trailer,
furnished and having the adjustable floor assembly in its lowered
position according to an embodiment; and

[0021] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a towing vehicle connected to
present trailer with the adjustable floor assembly in its raised position
according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be
considered part of the entire written description. In the description,
relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical,",
"above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivative
thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be
construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in
the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of
description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or
operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments,
coupling and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to
a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another
either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as
both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly
described otherwise.

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like
elements throughout.

[0024] The present trailer utilizes a fifth-wheel style hitching
mechanism. A full-height forward section can be achieved in these types
of trailers through the use of an adjustable-height floor in this forward
section. The adjustable-height floor can be supported by and be
integrated into the main frame of the trailer, which can provide the
strength needed to support the weight of people and furniture when the
floor is in a lowered position. The floor of the forward section can be
adjusted between two different useful heights. The first height can be a
raised position that provides the clearance necessary for the back of the
towing vehicle to extend under the forward section of the trailer. The
second height can be a lowered position approximately equal to the floor
height of the main section of the trailer, allowing the forward section
to be a full-height living space when the trailer is not hitched to a
towing vehicle. The adjustable floor can be easy to use by an individual
and the movement from one height position to another can be accomplished
through the use of a switch or button that can control a motor, which can
also comprise a safety clutch, capable of lowering or raising the floor
at a safe rate of speed.

[0025] Many of the negative aspects of the current fifth-wheel trailer
designs can be eliminated by having a forward section comprising an
adjustable floor. For example, the trailer will no longer require a
higher roof in the forward section, in order to maintain a proper ceiling
height throughout its interior. This can allow the trailer to be more
aerodynamic and stable while being towed, making it less susceptible to
both headwinds and crosswinds. The full-height interior allows for
different floor plans, because the bedroom no longer needs to be in the
forward section. Additionally, furniture can be attached to the
adjustable floor so it will not require removal before lifting the front
section to its raised height position before the trailer can be hitched
to the towing vehicle.

[0026] The frame of the adjustable floor assembly can be integrated with
the main frame of the trailer itself and can be capable of supporting the
weight of the floor, walls and supporting structures, as well as people
and furniture placed on the floor. The adjustable floor assembly can
connect to the walls and floor of the stationary parts of the trailer
with those of the adjustable parts, so that no gaps exist between the
walls and floor of the adjustable parts and the stationary parts.
Additionally, a fold-down hatch can be used to cover the opening that is
created between the forward section and the main section of the trailer
when the adjustable floor is in its raised position. The fold-down hatch
can be lowered so that it does not interfere with the operation and use
of the adjustable floor when placed in its lowered position and can be
folded up to cover the opening when the floor is in its raised position.
This hatch should not interfere with the use of the trailer when it is
disconnected from the towing vehicle and can provide protection to the
interior of the trailer when it is being moved. Additionally, seals can
be used between all frame surfaces that contact each other to prevent
moisture, pests and other undesirable elements from accessing the
interior of the trailer. The fold-down hatch and these seals can ensure
that the interior of the trailer is protected from the external
environment while either being towed or occupied.

[0027] The fifth-wheel pin box can be directly connected to the main frame
of the trailer, or be an integrated part of the main frame of the trailer
ensuring that it is mounted securely enough to withstand all forces
exerted on it during towing. Most current fifth-wheel trailer designs
place the pin box in this location and the present adjustable floor
design trailer design should not add any additional undesirable forces to
the pin box that are not found in the current fifth-wheel wheel trailer
designs.

[0028] Finally, the operation of the adjustable floor can be both safe and
simple. The floor can be controlled by a single switch or button and the
fold-down hatch can be easy to lift and secure into place. The present
trailer can comprise safety mechanisms to ensure that the area beneath
the adjustable floor is clear while it being raised or lowered, which can
stop any movement of the adjustable floor if a person or object is
contacted. For example, force sensing equipment or motion sensing
equipment can be used to ensure that a person or object does not
accidentally get pinched, hit or trapped by the movement of the floor.

[0029]FIG. 1 of 9 is a side perspective view of the frame 100 of the
present trailer with the frame of the adjustable floor assembly 104 in
its lowered position according to an embodiment. The frame of the present
trailer 100 can be capable of attaching to a towing vehicle (not
pictured) using a fifth-wheel hitching mechanism, which can include a pin
box 101 located at the front of the present trailer's frame 100. The pin
box 101 can be manufactured as a fully integrated part of the present
trailer's frame 100 to provide the necessary support required for safe
towing. When not attached to the towing vehicle, the adjustable floor
assembly 104 of the forward section 102 of the present trailer frame 100
can be moved into its lowered position, in which the floor comprising the
adjustable floor assembly 104 can be located at approximately the same
height as the floor of the main section of the trailer 103. In other
words, the top surface of the floor comprising the adjustable floor
assembly 104 can be approximately level with the top surface of the floor
comprising the trailer frame assembly of the main section 103. In one
embodiment, a fold-down hatch 105 can be pivotably connected to the frame
of the main section 103 of the present trailer with one or more hinges or
other suitable pivoting joints (not pictured). When the present trailer
is parked and the adjustable floor assembly 104 is deployed into its
lowered position, the fold-down hatch 105 can be placed in a down
position for storage, as shown in FIG. 1 of 9, which does not interfere
with the use of the trailer. The down position for the fold-down hatch
105 can be located below the adjustable floor assembly 104 and be
parallel to the ground. When the floor is placed into its lowered
position, the entire length of the present trailer's frame can have a
continuous and even surface allowing for a full-height living space.

[0030] FIG. 2A of 9 is a close-up perspective view from below and in front
of the frame of the present trailer, wherein the frame of an adjustable
floor assembly 204 is in its lowered position according to an embodiment.
The fold-down hatch 205 can be located below the adjustable floor
assembly 204 when placed in its lowered position and can be supported by
a shelf 206 that extends from the main section of the trailer 203. The
shelf 206 can provide support on three of the four sides comprising the
fold-down hatch 205.

[0031] The frame of the adjustable floor assembly 204 can extend below the
forward section of the present trailer's main frame 202, which itself, is
typically elevated to provide clearance for the towing vehicle. Two or
more threaded lift shafts 207 and 217 can be used to raise and lower the
adjustable floor assembly 204. The threaded lift shafts 207 and 217 can
pass through a threaded hole in the forward section of the trailer's main
frame 202 to provide connection to the trailer's main frame 202 and
movement of the frame of the adjustable floor assembly 204 relative to
the trailer's main frame. A lift assembly can comprise a twelve (12) volt
electric motor with a safety clutch 208, or any other suitable driving
device suitable to power the lifting mechanism. The motor 208 can be
attached to the underside of the frame of the adjustable floor assembly
204 through the use of a motor bracket 209. The motor bracket 209 can be
secured to the underside of the adjustable floor assembly 204 by bolts
210 or other suitable fastening devices.

[0032] The motor 208 can turn a first threaded lift shaft 207, which can
comprise a sprocket 211, pulley or similar device. The sprocket 211 can
drive a chain 212, belt, or other similar device that can be attached to
a second sprocket 213 on a second threaded lift shaft 217 located at the
opposite side of the adjustable floor assembly 204. The chain 212, or
other similar device, can connect the first lift shaft 207 and the second
lift shaft 217 allowing them to turn in unison keeping the floor level as
it is raised and lowered. The chain 212 can be kept steady and tight
through the use of a chain tensioner 214 or similar device.

[0033] The threaded lift shafts 207 and 217 can be held in place through
the use of removable side frames 215. The removable side frames 215 can
be made of metal or any other suitably strong material, which can be
secured to the frame of the adjustable floor assembly 204 through the use
of bolts 216 or other fastening devices. Note that the present embodiment
comprises a chain-drive, mechanical system, however, the adjustable floor
can be moved using a belt-drive system, a hydraulic system, a pneumatic
system or any other suitable driving system. Likewise, although the
preferred embodiment comprises an automatic, electrically-driven lifting
mechanism, a manual mechanism, or combined automatic and manual lifting
mechanism could also be employed.

[0034] FIG. 2B of 9 is an exploded view of the threaded lift shaft
assembly, according to an embodiment. The threaded lift shaft assembly
can comprise a first threaded lift shaft 207 having two ends 230 and 231.
A first end 230 can have a circular cross-section and a second end 231
can comprise two parallel flat sides 232 and two curved sides 233, which
can connect to the motor (not pictured) allowing it to turn the first
threaded lift shaft 207. The first threaded lift shaft 207 can then be
inserted through the motor bracket 209 a sprocket 211 and a sleeve 234.
The sprocket 211 can connect to the first threaded lift shaft 207
allowing it to turn in conjunction with a second threaded lift shaft 217,
which can be connected by a chain (not pictured) the chain can turn the
second threaded lift shaft 217 mounted at the opposite end of the forward
section of the trailer. The second threaded lift shaft 217 can be
constructed and mounted similarly to the first threaded lift shaft 217,
except for the absence of a motor or a motor bracket. The first threaded
lift shaft 207 and the second threaded lift shaft 217 can be threaded
through the forward section of the trailer frame and secured through the
use of a cap 235. Although the preferred embodiment has been shown
comprising two threaded lift shafts, any number could be similarly
employed to raise and lower the adjustable floor.

[0035]FIG. 3 of 9 is a perspective view from behind the forward section
of the present trailer showing the frame of the adjustable floor assembly
304 in the lowered position according to an embodiment. The top of the
frame of the adjustable floor assembly 304 can comprise a three-sided
box. A first side 321 of the three-sided box can be connected
perpendicularly to the floor 325 of the adjustable floor assembly 304. A
second side 322 of the three-sided box can be connected perpendicularly
to both the floor 325 and the first side 321 of the adjustable floor
assembly 304. A third side 323 of the three-sided box can be connected
perpendicularly to both the floor 325 and the second side 322 of the
adjustable floor assembly 304. The top of this three-sided box can extend
beyond the frame portion below it forming a ledge 317. This ledge 317 can
provide support for the adjustable floor when it is in the lowered
position by resting against a lip, which is not pictured in FIG. 2,
comprising the forward section of the present trailer 302. This ledge and
lip support system can be sufficient to safely support the weight of the
adjustable floor assembly 304 as well as any typical loads placed upon
the forward section by occupants and furniture while it is being used as
a living area.

[0036]FIG. 4 of 9 is a perspective view of the frame of an adjustable
floor assembly 404 according to an embodiment. When the adjustable floor
is in either its raised or lowered position the joints where connection
is made between the adjustable floor assembly 404 and the main trailer
frame must be sealed in order to keep pests and moisture from entering
the interior of the trailer. This weather tight junction can be achieved
through the use of compression seals 419 mounted along these joints.
These compression seals 419 can be attached to the top of the removable
side frames 415 and across the top of the front piece 420 of the lower
portion of the adjustable floor frame assembly 404 to seal it when placed
in the raised position for towing. The compression seals can also be
located on the underside of the top bar 418 of the adjustable floor frame
assembly 404, forming the ledge 417 described above. This compression
seal or set or compression seals can provide a weather tight seal for the
joint between the adjustable floor frame assembly 404 and the main
trailer frame, when the adjustable floor assembly is placed in its
lowered position.

[0037] FIG. 5 of 9 is a perspective view from below the side and front of
a present trailer frame with the adjustable floor assembly 504 in its
raised position according to an embodiment. Prior to attaching the
trailer to a towing vehicle, a switch or other control mechanism (not
pictured) can activate the motor 508, which can simultaneously turn the
two threaded lift shafts 507 and 517. The threaded lift shafts 507 and
517 are movably attached to the main frame of the forward section of the
trailer 502 and as they rotate, the adjustable floor assembly 504 is
either raised or lowered depending on the direction they are turned. Once
the floor is placed into its raised position, the fold-down hatch 505 can
be folded up into place covering the opening into the trailer's interior
that is created when the adjustable floor assembly is lifted into its
raised position. The hatch 505 can be rotated into the upright position
through the use of hinges (not pictured) and secured by a locking latch
(not pictured) or other suitable securing device. In an alternative
embodiment, the hatch can be a fully detachable piece that can be removed
entirely when not being used.

[0038]FIG. 6 of 9 is a perspective view from behind the forward section
of the present trailer showing the frame of the adjustable floor assembly
604 in its raised position according to an embodiment. When the
adjustable floor assembly 604 is placed in this raised position, the
fold-down hatch 605 can be placed in its up position covering the opening
created at the front of the trailer's main section 603. Additional
shielding pieces 621 comprising the forward section of the trailer 602
can extend inward to block any additional opening that may exist between
the edges of the frames and the fold-down hatch 605 when the floor is in
either its raised or lowered position. When placed in the raised
position, the bottom of the adjustable floor assembly 604 can be
approximately level with, or above the lowest part of the non-moving part
of the forward section of the main trailer frame 602. This position can
allow sufficient clearance to exist between the trailer and the towing
vehicle. The top of the frame of the adjustable floor assembly 604 can
form a ledge 622, which can rest upon a lip 623, which can be connected
to or be part of the forward section of the main trailer frame 602. As
described above, the ledge 622 can rest upon the lip 623 providing
support for the entire adjustable floor assembly 604 and any typical
loads that it may bear.

[0039] FIG. 7 of 9 is a perspective view from the front and side of the
present trailer with the adjustable floor assembly 704 in its lowered
position according to an embodiment. Both the forward section of the main
trailer frame 700 and the frame of the adjustable floor assembly 704 can
be covered by sheet metal, fiberglass, plastic, or any other suitable
covering material. This material 724 can be connected to both the main
trailer frame 704 and the frame of the adjustable floor assembly 704.

[0040] FIG. 8 of 9 is a perspective top cutaway view of a present trailer,
furnished and having the adjustable floor assembly in the lowered
position according to an embodiment. The adjustable floor assembly can be
covered with carpeting, linoleum or other suitable floor 825 materials
and the walls 826 can be covered with suitable wall materials so that the
trailer can have a uniform appearance throughout its interior. The
material comprising the floor 825 of the adjustable floor assembly can
extend slightly past the adjustable floor frame and onto the top of the
recreational vehicle frame to cover the joint between the two frames.
Likewise, a small piece 827 of the walls comprising the adjustable floor
assembly can protrude into the interior of the non-moving section of the
trailer and the adjacent walls 828 of the non-moving part of the forward
section of the trailer. This small piece 827 can be integrated with
furniture or other living features so that it is not hazardous or
unsightly. Cupboards 829 or other aesthetic features can be positioned in
the walls of the upper portion of the living area above the adjustable
floor. The operation of the adjustable floor can be designed so as to
avoid disturbing these aesthetic features.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a towing vehicle 950 connected
to present trailer 900 with the adjustable floor assembly 904 in its
raised position according to an embodiment. With the adjustable floor
assembly 904 in the raised position, the rear of the towing vehicle 950
can easily move below the forward section of the present trailer 900
while the pinbox 901 is hitched to the towing vehicle 950.

[0042] Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary
embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims
should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of
the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.